LongeviTEA

Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle) is a rich source of vitamin C, which strengthens immune function and promotes healthy skin. Vitamin C is required for collagen production, which helps reduce the likelihood of wrinkles and premature ageing. Hibiscus is also abundant in protective antioxidant that offer protection from oxidative damage that are associated with chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Due to hibiscus’s high antioxidant and vitamin C content, it makes a great anti-aging tea. Drinking hibiscus tea regularly (3 cups a day for 6 weeks) can also help reduce blood pressure levels. (1)

Scientists have discovered that hibiscus tea can significantly increase HDL good cholesterol and lower LDL bad cholesterol and triglycerides in people with type-2 diabetes. (2)

Researchers found that hibiscus extracts could kill cancer cells, due to its high levels of polyphenols which are potent antioxidants. (3)

Rosehips, the fruit of the rose, are also a wonderful source of vitamin C. This important nutrient is an excellent immune booster, potent anti-inflammatory and highly effective antioxidant. Rosehips are jam-packed with powerful antioxidants, that can help offer protection against cancer and cardiovascular disease and helps promote healthier skin and reduced risk of premature ageing.

Apples are a great source quercetin. Regular consumption of this health promoting phytonutrient has been associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer, especially colon, lung and prostate.White teas health benefits are due to its rich polyphenols content, including EGCG – epigallocatechin gallate, which is unique to white and green teas.

White tea undergoes the least amount of processing of all the teas which preserves more of its antioxidant properties. White tea contains around three times the antioxidant polyphenols compared to green, with the least amount of caffeine. White tea has around 15 mg of caffeine per cup, compared to green tea around 20 mg, black tea 45 mg, and brewed coffee with 100-300mg of caffeine per cup. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body that are associated with the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. EGCG slows down collagen breakdown and can help regenerate aging surface skin cells and help prevent premature ageing.

Goji berries have been revered by the Tibetans for thousands of years, used to treat health conditions ranging from eye problems, high cholesterol and blood pressure, to liver and kidney problems. Goji berries are a wonderful source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which promote better vision and eye health and offer protection from degenerative age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration. These super berries are abundant in powerful antioxidants that work by neutralizing damaging free radicals. Goji berries also deliver a vitamin C punch, which is important for stimulating the immune system and boosting collagen production, for beautiful, more youthful looking skin.

References:

(1) Diane L.McKay, C-Y. Oliver Chen, Edward Saltzman, and Jeffrey D.Blumberg. Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Tea (Tisane) Lowers Blood Pressure in
Prehypertensive and Mildly Hypertensive Adults. J. Nutr. February 2010 December 16, 2009, vol. 140 no. 2 298-303

(2) Mozaffari-Khosrav, Jaliali-Khanabadi BA, Afkhami-Ardekani M, Fatehi F. Effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on lipid profile and lipoproteins in patients with type II diabetes. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):899-903. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0540.

(3) Hui-Hsuan Lin, Chi-Chou Huang, Jing-Hsien Chen,Chau-Jong Wang.Hibiscus polyphenol-rich extract induces apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells via p53 osphorylation and p38 MAPK/FasL cascade pathway. Molecular carcinogenesis. Vol 43, issue 2, June 2005, pages 86-99